Russia Capercaillie Hunt
Russia Capercaillie Hunting takes places in the Republic of Karelia, north of St. Petersburg sometimes as far north as the edge of the arctic circle (distance and location vary depending on bird activity and bird activity). Capercaillie hunting and black grouse hunting are the primary purpose of this trip, but limited opportunities for waterfowl and other upland birds might also be possible. Russia capercaillie hunting occurs late-April through late-May to coincide with the courtship rituals of Western Capercaillie and Black Grouse. The greatest densities of Western Capercaillie and Black Grouse in the world are believed to inhabit this region’s boreal forests.
Species available during Russian capercaillie hunting may include Western Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse, Snow Grouse (aka Willow Ptarmigan), and European Woodcock. This capercaillie hunt in Russia is a genuine adventure for savvy, travel-minded hunters that like to experience hunts that are well off the beaten path.
Depending on location, guests are usually lodged in either cabins. Accommodations are warm, clean, comfortable and in perfect keeping with authentic, northern Russian capercaillie hunting trip. The upstairs consists of 3 bedrooms capable of sleeping 8 guests. Amenities include fireplace or wood burning stove, large table for seating 7-8 guests, a bathroom with shower, hot and cold running water, microwave, fully-equipped kitchen, satellite TV and adjacent Russian sauna and bathhouse. Cell phone reception can generally good, though variable, throughout the region. A large chest freezer is available for storage.
Depending on guest hunting schedules, 2-3 large meals are served daily. The food is good, servings are plentiful, and meals consist of traditional Russian dishes – soups, salads, game meats, fish, breads, locally-grown vegetables, potatoes, wild berries, mushrooms and dairy products. Hot tea and coffee are always available, as is mors, a locally popular beverage made of cranberry juice. Field lunches consist of hearty cold cuts, cheeses and breads.
Russia capercaillie hunting may vary from traditional stalks for capercaillie, to blinds for black grouse, pass shooting European woodcock, or rough shooting in general. Other hunting opportunities may exist, but these two species are the crux of the spring Russia capercaillie hunt.
Even with about 22+ hours of hunting daylight – and it never really gets completely “dark” – it’s impossible to do it all in a single day. But relax – there are 6 or 7 days of hunting. With seasonal weather and some luck, it’s more than enough time to chase the various waterfowl and upland species available on this unique Russia capercaillie hunting trip and to take in the beautiful, rarely-hunted environment that can be experienced nowhere else on earth.
Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Snow Grouse, Hazel Grouse and European woodcock might be possible during this Russia Capercaillie Hunt, depending on bird activity and weather, but the hunt is first and foremost about capercaillie and black grouse. While we’ve hunted ducks here in the past, it has proven an unreliable destination to hunt ducks, and to collect duck species. To target an impressive array of Eurasian waterfowl species, our Azerbaijan duck hunting program is far superior in terms of hunting, species diversity, and bird import.
Rates & Dates
Timing
The Spring Combo package for Russia capercaillie hunting and black grouse hunting occurs very late-April through about mid-May.
Rates
Per-hunter rates for Russia Grouse Hunting Spring Combo Package
3 hunters (per hunter)…………………………………………$US 5700
4 hunters (per hunter)…………………………………………$US 5300
5 or more hunters (per hunter)…………………………….$US 5000
Additional hunting day $US 450
FEES FOR ADDITIONAL TROPHIES:
Capercaillie $US 500
Black Grouse $US 350
(2023 update) NOT BEING SOLD DUE TO POLITICAL UNREST. Reservations require 50% deposit, balance due 60 days prior to travel. GetDucks Travel Protection added to each invoice and due with initial deposit (call to discuss).
Trip Specifics
Included
Russia Capercaillie Hunting packages include:
- Licenses
- Firearm use
- Ground transfers (van from St. Petersburg)
- Camp Lodging
- Meals
- Bi-lingual host (basic, perfect fluency not assured)
Not Included
Russia Capercaillie Hunting packages do not include:
- Ammo ($15 per box of 25) Prices subject to change.
- Voluntary gratuities to outfitter, interpreter and staff
- Capercaillie and Black Grouse trophy fees
- $50 minimum tip to Capercaillie guide if bird is missed, more if killed. Paid daily
- Phone calls
- Airfare and airport fees
- Baggage overweight charges
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bird skinning (skin your own or bring birds back whole frozen)
- St. Petersburg-related expenses – hotels, cabs, tours, etc.
- Any item of strict personal nature
- GetDucks Travel Protection Plan/ Trip Insurance (added line-item to each invoice)
More Information
Field Report
More Info
Important Caveats regarding Russia Capercaillie Hunting
Russia bird hunting is not for everyone. The Number One reason to go capercaillie hunting in Russia is the abundance of grouse and high-success rates. For relatively low costs you will experience a rarely-hunted area, in an extremely unique hunting environment, among a rural but friendly culture unlike anywhere, and will hunt a myriad of species unavailable in the Americas. True high-volume bird hunters or guests seeking luxurious accommodations should consider other destinations among the long and growing list of GetDucks.com offerings, but bird collectors can be assured that HPAI-related trophy bird importation is no longer problematic. While we believe that Russia capercaillie hunting trips should be among all savvy world-wide bird hunters Life List, please review the following caveats very carefully.
It is a long trip. The van transfer from St. Petersburg to camp varies 6-12 hours, minimum, depending on location. The closer you get to camp (and the more removed from civilization) the worse the roads become. Consider bumpy Russian roads a part of the ambiance. Guests that believe they may be affected by the 8-11 hour (into the future) differential should allow for a day or 2 in St. Petersburg preceding their hunt transfer.
Importation of firearms by foreign nationals into the Republic of Karelia is not possible. Guns used are typically double-trigger over and under shotguns of Russian origin. They shoot fine, but guests should become accustomed to shooting double-trigger guns if they have never done so.
Russian is an extremely difficult language, and the host speaks only rudimentary English. Other staff and locals speak no English. Plans may change due to weather events. It is enough for successful hunting, but guests unaccustomed to going with the flow will be frustrated at times.
Prioritize your hunting preferences and remain flexible. The daily hunt plan is weather dependent. Inclement weather or wind may preclude intended plans and require alternative hunts. The daylight length is very long, but peak hunting for capercaillie and grouse conflicts other hunts, and unlike stepping out of your back door into a blind, hunt preparation necessitates a commitment of time (a typical spring capercaillie hunt, for example, is from 11 pm until about 8 am the following morning).
Trophy bird hunting in Russia requires advanced planning. A valid passport and Russian Visa is necessary to enter and exit Russia. An invitation will be sent to us, your booking agent, or to you directly. Sooner is better! Completing the Russia Visa process requires that your passport and invitations accompany the formal application, and may require weeks during which you should not need your passport for other travel. Visa Services are especially helpful in these regards and are an added cost.
Russia is among the USDA Current Listing of Countries Affected With HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. BIRDS MUST BE CONSIGNED TO USDA-APPROVED FACILITY UPON IMPORT. GetDucks.com will provide general guidance in these regards.
Russia Capercaillie Hunt – Getting There
Guests should arrive to St. Petersburg the day before start of hunt. Ground transfer to camp is through the night and they’ll arrive the following morning. Following a brief rest, and afternoon hunt will be organized.
Average Daily Temperature Range (High/Low)- Russia Capercaillie Hunt
May 46/34F, 8/1C
What to Bring – Russia Capercaillie Hunt
Packing for Russia capercaillie hunts is relatively simple: layers of QUIET material. Remember that you’re within the arctic and temperatures may deviate; wet snow or rain are likely. Consult the weather forecast for up-to-date forecast. Pack a pair of comfortable hip boots suitable for walking distances. Quiet materials are best. Wool or canvas hunting pants, a fleece jacket, layers and raincoat. A pair of thermal underwear and warm socks are suggested. Other items that might not be normally packed by US hunters include a small thermos, ac adapter, handi-wipes, electronic bird call, a few light-weight decoys, bird processing materials (scalpel, salt, saran wrap, solution for bird treatment), a waterproof day pack or field bag. Pack a bathing suit for the Russian bath and sauna. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, favorite snack item or spirit, might as well pack some.
General Packing List for Russia Capercaillie Hunt (PDF)© is provided during pre-trip planning.
Payment Methods while Hunting in Russia
Important Note: Please pay for ammo and gratuities with cash. Checks, money orders and credit cards are not accepted while duck hunting in Russia. Local purchases of goods and services may accept credit cards, but Russian Rubles are the official national currency – US dollars are most oftentimes not accepted by local vendors or service providers.
Related Links for Hunting in Russia
View Photo Gallery: Russia Capercaillie Hunting
Travel Protection and Travel Insurance Protect your hunting travel investment
Certification of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad (Form 4457)
Importation of Fish and Wildlife Form 3-177
Field Care of Trophy Waterfowl & Birds
Contact us about for more information about your Russia Capercaillie hunt.
Galleries
Customer Testimonials
Russia capercaillie hunting is the best hunting adventure of them all!
Referenced hunt: Spring Capercaillie Hunting in Russia
GetDucks.com hooked me up on a beautiful Russia capercaillie hunt!
Referenced hunt: Spring Russia Capercaillie Hunt
Many thanks for making a dream a reality
Hello Ramsey and Anita,
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed the Russia capercaillie and duck hunt. I dreamed of pursuing the capercaillie for more than fifteen years, other things kept coming up on the to do list and I thought with avian influenza in Russia, that I would not be able to get a trophy back. Well, GetDucks.com got me on track and the situation in order. Weather did us no favors, this was one of the most challenging hunts I have been on but also one of the most rewarding. Many thanks for making a dream a reality.
Barry Stephan
Referenced hunt: Russia capercaillie hunt
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